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Science News for June 29, 2011


Research finding suggests way to make bladder cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy

A recent study published in International Journal of Cancer found that boosting the production of a specific microRNA, miR-34a, increases sensitivity of bladder cancer cells to chemotherapy. The study suggests that miR-34a may be used as a predictor of response to chemotherapy and a target for new drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJun 29, 2011

Growing plants on oil-contaminated land

A Lithuanian company, Biocentras, has developed a three-stage process that transforms contaminated soil into usable land for growing plants. The process uses biosurfactant and micro-organisms to break down oil pollutants, making it an efficient and natural solution.

SourceEUREKA·DateJun 29, 2011

IASLC welcomes publication of CT screening results from National Lung Screening Trial

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) welcomed the publication of positive results from the National Lung Screening Trial, which showed a 20% reduction in lung cancer deaths and a 7% decrease in all-cause mortality among heavy smokers screened with low-dose spiral computed tomography. The trial followed ove...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011

Workplace mental health disability leave recurs sooner than physical health leave, CAMH study shows

A CAMH study reveals that mental health disability leaves cost approximately $51 billion a year in Canada and recur sooner than physical health leaves. Workers who have had a previous mental health episode are at higher risk of having another one, highlighting the need for effective prevention programs to help people stay at work.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011

ESC calls for greater awareness of potential for adverse events from bleeding as a result of PCI

Emerging evidence suggests a strong association between bleeding and adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Strategies to minimize bleeding include radial access and adjusting anticoagulant doses based on body weight, age, and renal function.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 29, 2011

Men play post-op catch-up

Women show greater improvements in function and reduced pain than men at three and six months post-surgery. After a year, men recover as well as women, indicating that gender-specific knee implants may not be necessary.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJun 29, 2011

Studying solar wind

The study found that rocky planets, including Earth, are enriched in 17O and 18O by about 6% relative to 16O. This supports the 'isotopic self-shielding' mechanism, where photolysis of carbon monoxide liberates oxygen atoms that are sequestered into water molecules.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateJun 29, 2011

New smartphone app automatically tags photos

A new cell phone application called TagSense can accurately tag photographs with information about people, locations and activities. The system uses the multiple sensors on a mobile phone and those of other phones in the vicinity to provide more detailed tagging, making it easier to search and retrieve desired pictures.

New therapy for childhood neuroblastoma proves feasible and safe

Researchers have found a new treatment option for children with relapsed or primary refractory high-risk neuroblastoma, using combined positron emission tomography and X-ray computed tomography to select patients for molecular radiotherapy. The therapy was well-tolerated and showed promise in improving symptoms and quality of life.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011

Culture influences people's response to climate change

Research reveals that an individual's consumption habits and contraceptive choices are influenced by their cultural background, which in turn affects their responses to climate change. People's perceptions of environmental impact influence their behavior, with some behaviors offsetting environmental gains.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateJun 29, 2011

Money and mimicry

Researchers found that when people are reminded of money, they perceive mimicry as a threat to their personal freedom, leading them to respond antagonistically. This could have important implications for social bonding and forming interpersonal relationships.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 29, 2011

Outpatient electronic prescribing systems don't cut out common mistakes

Research found that outpatient electronic prescribing systems do not significantly reduce medication errors, with over 12% of prescriptions containing mistakes. The most common errors were related to missing information and involved anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, nervous system drugs, and cardiovascular drugs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJun 29, 2011

Betting on good luck and 4-leaf clovers

Research at the University of Cambridge found a connection between impulsivity and superstitious rituals in problem gamblers. The study suggests that high impulsivity can predispose individuals to complex distortions, including superstitions, that contribute to problem gambling.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011

Scientists develop sensitive skin for robots

Researchers at TUM create an artificial skin for robots that simulates human-like touch and temperature detection, allowing machines to interact with their environment in a more human-like way. The system uses sensors to register movement and detect changes in the robot's surroundings, enabling it to develop self-awareness.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateJun 29, 2011

Clocking Neptune's spin

A University of Arizona planetary scientist has determined Neptune's rotation with high accuracy by tracking atmospheric features in its atmosphere. The discovery improves upon previous measurements and provides a better understanding of the planet's fundamental properties.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalIcarus·DateJun 29, 2011

Study shows 20 percent reduction in lung cancer mortality with low-dose CT vs chest X-ray

The study found a significant reduction in lung cancer deaths among heavy smokers screened with low-dose helical CT, with a 20% decrease compared to those screened with chest X-ray. The screening test identified adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas at early stages of disease, providing valuable insights for future patients.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011